PCB Connector Types
When designing a PCB, it is important to choose the correct connector type for your design. Different types of connectors offer different electrical properties, termination methods and more.
Pin headers consist of rows of metal pins molded into a plastic base. Their female counterparts are known as sockets and have rows of receptacles designed to mate with the male pin headers.
Board-to-Board Connectors
Board-to-board connectors connect one circuit board to another by insertion into holes in the board. Depending on the mounting method and design, these connectors can support different electrical and mechanical performance requirements. Some feature locking mechanisms that secure the connection, while others include polarization and keying features to ensure that the connector is inserted in the correct orientation.
These types of connectors are commonly used to connect expansion cards, such as graphics cards and RAM modules, to motherboards. They are available in a range of pin pitches and mated heights, and can be shielded or unshielded to suit specific needs.
Choosing the right board-to-board connector for your project requires careful consideration of several factors, including the terminals’ design, mounting type, and termination method. For example, some board-to-board connectors have locking mechanisms to prevent accidental disconnections, while others are hermetically sealed or resistant to chemicals. You should also consider the current that they can conduct to ensure they can handle your design’s power demands.
Once you’ve selected the appropriate board-to-board connector for your project, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s datasheet when installing them. This will provide information such as recommended PCB pad layouts, soldering temperatures, and soldering times. You should also use proper tools, such as screwdrivers and pliers, to avoid damaging the connector or your PCB.
Wire-to-Board Connectors
These connectors link two printed pcb connector types circuit boards without a cable. They offer best-in-class signal and mechanical integrity and excel in high-speed, high-density, and micro-miniature applications. They can also tolerate harsh environments with a range of chemicals and gases.
These PCB connectors come in a variety of forms and configurations that cater to specific needs. Some of their specifications include the lock-to-mating style, wire size and number of circuits or positions, and termination method. They can also have an angled connector-to-board connection style and different types of polarity.
The most common connector family is the terminal block. This is a type of female connector that features a segment that attaches to the board and another that has wires. It’s easy to identify because it has a distinct structure and its wires are visible.
These PCB connectors are used in consumer electronics like laptops and digital cameras to connect internal components such as batteries and displays. They can also be found in industrial controls, including programmable logic controllers and motor control systems, to connect sensors and actuators. In telecommunications, they’re often used to connect routers and switches. In renewable energy, they’re used to connect solar panels or wind turbines to the power inverter and control system. The key factor when choosing a wire-to-board connector is its pitch and size. The former refers to the distance between contacts, while the latter accounts for its overall dimensions.
Mezzanine Connectors
The type of connector you choose depends on several factors. These include the pitch and size of the connector, the amount of space it takes up on the circuit board, and its electrical and mechanical performance. Some also provide environmental protection features, such as resistance to moisture and dust. Other important specifications include contact plating, mating cycle life, and the number of times it can be mated and unmated before damage occurs.
PCBs require a variety of connectors to transfer power and signals from one location to another. These connections can be internal or PCB Connector Types Supplier between different printed circuit boards. These connectors are used in applications such as communication, industrial equipment, and data processing.
Pin header connectors are a common option for establishing board-to-board and wire-to-board connections. They have rows of pins that are available in surface mount, right-angle, or straight configurations. They can be soldered to the pads on a PCB or to other components like switches and resistors. They are often used in high-density packages that can save PCB space.
Female counterparts to pin headers are known as socket connectors. They have rows of receptacles that are designed to mate with the pin header connectors. They can be soldered to the PCB or plugged into other receptacles on a PCB. These are often used in applications that require a quick and easy connection. They are also useful for transferring small amounts of current.
Stacking Connectors
There are many types of connectors that can be utilized in a PCB, each with unique attributes that make them suitable for different applications. Each is characterized by physical shape, size, and vibration resistance as well as other mechanical and electrical properties. Understanding the various connector types that exist is essential for a successful PCB design and development experience.
Wire-to-Wire (WTW) connectors, also known as terminal blocks, connect electrical wires to the circuit board via soldering or a clamp and lever mechanism. They can be either permanent or releasable depending on the application needs. In some cases, these are used to provide a convenient way to access a debugging or programming interface for an embedded device. They can save space and cost by eliminating the need for a separate connector and can offer more flexibility when it comes to PCB placement.
TE Connectivity offers press-fit stacking connectors that are designed for parallel PCB stacking in a footprint that matches VPX daughtercard layouts, ideal for mezzanine connector and motherboard-daughtercard arrangements. They feature a low stack height and are compatible with standard pin headers to enable easy soldering. They can also be stacked end-to-end without losing centerline spacing. This family is available in a wide variety of position sizes, contact pitches and lead lengths to match a variety of interconnect requirements.
